Short of breath after ICD

This is my first post. I am a 56 year old male. Had heart attack and heart block both. They put ICD about a month ago. I feel my heart beat a few times almost every night. In addition, I feel short of breath even after one or two minute walk. So I am not able to walk more than four or five minutes everyday. Is it normal to feel 1) heart beat and 2) short of breath even after one month? I was in the hospital for a month. I came home after surgery about two weeks ago. After ICD they readmitted me due to vtach that is why I came back home only two weeks ago even though I had ICD one month ago. Please help as I am very nervous about not being able to walk and feeling my heart beating at night.

3 Comments

I agree

by Lurch - 2016-04-15 01:04:16

With Gooddog's comments. Talk to your doctor, tell him/her what is going on. Also talk to your medical team about all the drugs you are taking. Many of them can cause some issues and often need to be adjusted.

The beating sensation you are feeling at night might be PVCs (preventricular contractions). If so, your Doctor should be able to identify them but interrogating your ICD. That too can often be addressed with some medication changes.

My sympathy

by oldearthworm - 2016-04-15 02:04:23

A one month hospital stay .. possibily the worst thing for ones health ..I was confined for 4 days and that nearly drove me nuts .. Now, you may have to undergo cardio-therapy .. an exercise program ..
I, too have "shortness of breath", probably not that bad .. I just keep going after resting a second or two ..
The best of advice here , not from me, IMO...only 76 with a regular PM due to bradycardia..

Short of breath

by Good Dog - 2016-04-15 11:04:45

It is difficult for anyone except your doctor to know exactly what may be going-on. However, it is likely that your ICD still needs further adjustment. It is possible that your heart beat is not quite in-sync. It is important to let your doctor know the symptoms that are bothering you. You need him to give you an explanation and/or he needs to work to fix the issues.

Obviously, you need to be patient and give him a little time to fix any issues you may have. However, if you can't get a good explanation and/or any relief, then you should consider another doctor.

David

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